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Daniel Thwaites PLC (AQSE:THW) reported turnover for the year to March 2026 grew by 5% to £127m and operating profit by 10% to £13m. Read more

Sterling Digital Plc (AQSE:ASIC) announced the arrival of key mining equipment at its West Texas site, marking a significant milestone as the Company moves into the commissioning phase ahead of its first Bitcoin mining operations. The Company also raised £383,000 via a share subscription.

Stefan Michaelides, CEO: “The arrival of our generators, data centre infrastructure and ASIC miners is a significant step forward for Sterling as we enter our next stage of growth and enter the operational phase of our strategy. We are now focused on installation, commissioning and moving towards first Bitcoin production.” Read more

B HODL PLC (AQSE:HODL) provided an update on its Lightning Service Provider platform, announcing it is now listed on Amboss Magma, one of the leading marketplaces for Lightning Network liquidity. Read more

Delta Gold Technologies plc (AQSE:DGQ) announced it has commenced Year 2 of its research collaboration with the University of Toronto, with a provisional patent having been filed during the first year of the agreement.

R. Michael Jones, CEO: “Entering the second year of our agreement with the University of Toronto is a significant step for Delta Gold. The filing of the provisional patent by UofT highlights the progress already being made through this collaboration and strengthens our confidence in the potential of the research as we continue to build value from our quantum computing IP strategy.” Read more

Ajax Resources PLC (AQSE:AJAX) provided an update on its Macacha Copper and Silver Project in Argentina. The Company stated that EIA approval is anticipated in July 2026 and that a tender process has commenced for a 5,000-metre drilling programme.

Ippolito Cattaneo, CEO, commented: “The forthcoming drilling programme will represent the first exploration campaign at Macacha in almost two decades and will focus on validating and expanding the historical oxide Mineral Resource Estimate while testing the underlying copper sulphide mineralisation, which remains almost entirely untested.” Read more

All Aquis Stock Exchange Announcements

Energy Markets Rebound Following Diplomatic Setback

Oil prices moved higher on Friday as traders reacted to growing uncertainty surrounding the recently announced agreement between the United States and Iran. The cancellation of planned negotiations in Switzerland, combined with escalating military activity involving Israel and Hezbollah, prompted investors to reassess the likelihood of a lasting resolution in the region.

Brent crude rose 0.64% to $80.36 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate gained 1.7% to $77.88 per barrel. Despite the recovery, both benchmarks remained on track for weekly declines of roughly 8%.

The more actively traded August WTI contract climbed 59 cents to $76.44 per barrel.

Suspended Talks Fuel Concerns Over Long-Term Stability

Investor confidence was shaken after Switzerland confirmed that discussions between U.S. and Iranian officials would not proceed as scheduled.

The talks were expected to focus on implementing a broader framework agreement designed to bring a lasting end to regional tensions. However, the withdrawal of U.S. Vice President JD Vance from the planned meeting raised doubts about the strength of the diplomatic process.

Vandana Hari, founder of Vanda Insights, said: “Prices may have bottomed out and we may see a renewed climb accompanied by plenty of volatility as cracks have already emerged in the memorandum of understanding.”

She added: “This is not the geopolitical backdrop that would give the market any confidence in resuming Hormuz transit.”

Hormuz Developments Continue to Drive Market Direction

Earlier this week, oil prices fell sharply after vessels successfully resumed passage through the Strait of Hormuz following the interim agreement between Washington and Tehran.

Several tankers, including Saudi vessels carrying approximately six million barrels of crude, completed the transit without disruption, boosting hopes that normal shipping activity could gradually resume.

Market analysts estimate that more than 85 million barrels of oil currently stranded in the Gulf region could eventually return to global markets. In addition, the agreement includes provisions for lifting U.S. restrictions on Iranian oil exports, potentially increasing supply further.

Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM, said: “Traders are still waiting for hard evidence that tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is actually normalising before committing to the next leg lower.”

Export Activity Begins to Recover

Energy producers across the Middle East are already preparing for a return to more normal export conditions.

Kuwait Petroleum Corporation announced that all force majeure measures introduced during the conflict have been withdrawn. Iraq has also indicated that its oil sector is ready to gradually restore output and return production to pre-conflict levels.

Lebanon Conflict Remains in Focus

While progress has been made between the United States and Iran, continued fighting between Israel and Hezbollah remains a major source of uncertainty.

Investors are closely monitoring developments, as any escalation could undermine recent diplomatic gains and once again threaten energy supplies from the region.

Stronger Dollar Keeps Precious Metal on Track for Weekly Loss

Gold prices continued to weaken on Friday, putting the precious metal on course for a third consecutive weekly decline as investors focused on the prospect of higher U.S. interest rates and a stronger dollar.

Spot gold fell 1.8% to $4,134.86 an ounce, while August gold futures dropped 2.2% to $4,152.25. The metal is now set to end the week roughly 2% lower.

Although gold benefited earlier in the week from optimism surrounding the temporary agreement between the United States and Iran, those gains faded after the Federal Reserve signalled that monetary policy could remain restrictive for longer than markets had anticipated.

Markets Price in Greater Chance of Another Rate Increase

The Federal Reserve kept benchmark interest rates unchanged this week, but policymakers delivered a message that investors interpreted as increasingly hawkish.

Nine of the central bank’s nineteen policymakers expect at least one additional rate increase before the end of the year, reinforcing expectations that borrowing costs may stay elevated well into 2026.

Comments from Fed Chair Kevin Warsh helped push Treasury yields higher and lifted the U.S. dollar to its strongest level in more than a year. The U.S. Dollar Index remained near those highs after surging 0.8% during the previous session.

The stronger dollar and higher bond yields continue to weigh on gold, which does not generate interest income and becomes less attractive when competing assets offer higher returns.

Market pricing currently suggests an over 80% probability of another Fed rate increase before year-end.

Delayed Iran Talks Add Fresh Uncertainty

Investor sentiment was also influenced by reports that negotiations aimed at finalising a broader agreement between Washington and Tehran had been postponed.

Switzerland confirmed that talks scheduled for Friday would not take place, while reports indicated that U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance had suspended his participation in the planned discussions.

The setback has raised questions about how durable the interim agreement may prove to be, even though the deal remains in place for now.

Oil Rebounds but Remains Near Multi-Month Lows

While crude oil prices recovered modestly on Friday, they remain sharply lower for the week following expectations that the Strait of Hormuz could gradually reopen to normal shipping traffic.

The decline in energy prices has eased inflation concerns, reducing some of the safe-haven demand that had previously supported gold.

Broader Metals Complex Also Moves Lower

Other precious metals also came under pressure, with silver falling 2.5% to $64.09 an ounce and platinum losing 1.4% to $1,674.51.

Copper prices weakened as well, with London Metal Exchange copper futures falling 0.9% and U.S. copper futures declining 1%, reflecting broader caution across commodity markets.

European Debt Markets End Volatile Week on a Firmer Yield Footing

European government bond yields moved higher on Friday, capping a week marked by dramatic swings in sentiment as investors navigated shifting expectations around Middle East diplomacy, central bank policy and energy markets.

Germany’s benchmark 10-year Bund yield climbed to 2.95%, recovering from two-month lows reached earlier in the week as investors reassessed geopolitical risks and the outlook for inflation.

Doubts Over U.S.-Iran Agreement Lift Oil Prices

Market sentiment shifted after U.S. Vice President JD Vance withdrew from a scheduled trip to Switzerland, where discussions with Iranian representatives were expected to begin on implementing the recently announced 14-point agreement between Washington and Tehran.

The development raised questions about the durability of the accord and prompted a modest rebound in crude prices, with oil gaining close to 1% as traders priced in renewed uncertainty surrounding the region.

Federal Reserve Surprise Continues to Influence Markets

The week’s volatility was also driven by developments in the United States, where a majority of Federal Reserve policymakers unexpectedly signalled that interest rates could move higher later this year.

The hawkish tone forced investors to rapidly revise their expectations, with markets moving to price in an 80% probability of a rate increase by October. The shift contrasted sharply with the start of the week, when optimism surrounding the U.S.-Iran agreement and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz had fuelled demand for government bonds.

Falling Oil Prices Had Supported Bonds Earlier in the Week

At the height of the Middle East tensions, surging energy prices pushed bond yields to multi-month highs as investors anticipated a potential inflation shock that could require tighter monetary policy from the European Central Bank.

However, a roughly 10% decline in oil prices over the course of the week eased those concerns and encouraged investors to scale back inflation expectations. The unwinding of geopolitical risk premiums provided support for eurozone bonds after a prolonged period of pressure.

ECB Outlook Remains in Focus

The yield on Germany’s policy-sensitive two-year government bond rose to 2.628%, reflecting changing expectations for future ECB policy decisions.

Adding to the debate, ECB Chief Economist Philip Lane said the eurozone economy appeared capable of withstanding a higher interest-rate environment, reinforcing expectations that policymakers may remain cautious about easing monetary policy too quickly.

PPHE Hotel Group Ltd (LSE:PPH) shares fell more than 17% after the company confirmed that a proposed takeover by Fattal would not proceed following opposition from a significant shareholder. The development marks a setback for investors who had anticipated a potential acquisition following months of strategic discussions.

According to the company, Euro Plaza Holdings, which owns approximately 33% of PPHE’s issued share capital, informed the independent offer committee that it opposed the proposed transaction. Following that feedback, Fattal advised the board that it was unwilling to continue pursuing an offer under the prevailing circumstances.

The independent committee subsequently concluded that the proposal could not be completed in its current form. Fattal had previously indicated its interest through a possible cash offer of £22 per share, which was announced on 27 May. At the time, the PPHE board unanimously determined that the proposal represented fair value for shareholders.

The committee said it had engaged extensively with investors during the process, consulting shareholders representing approximately 83% of the company’s issued share capital. Despite broad discussions, the opposition of a major shareholder ultimately undermined the likelihood of a successful transaction.

The strategic review and sale process began in November 2025 after founder shareholders Eli Papouchado and Ivesha, together controlling around 44% of the company, announced their intention to explore a range of strategic alternatives. The move triggered a formal offer period under the UK Takeover Code, with Rothschild & Co subsequently appointed as sole financial adviser to oversee the review.

While the Fattal proposal has now been abandoned, PPHE disclosed that it received a separate expression of interest from another party on 31 May. The company described those discussions as being at a very early stage and cautioned that there is no certainty that any offer will ultimately emerge. Management said it intends to continue the process and reach a conclusion as quickly as practicable.

The collapse of the Fattal proposal has removed a near-term takeover premium from the shares, but the ongoing strategic review means investors will continue to monitor whether alternative bidders emerge or whether the company pursues other options to unlock shareholder value.

More About PPHE Hotel Group Ltd

PPHE Hotel Group Ltd is an international hospitality and real estate business focused on the ownership, development and operation of hotels, resorts and leisure assets. The company operates a portfolio of properties across key European cities and destinations under brands including Park Plaza, art’otel and Arena Hotels & Apartments.

Listed in London, PPHE combines hotel operations with a substantial property portfolio, generating revenue from accommodation, food and beverage services, conferencing facilities and related hospitality activities. The group continues to invest in its estate while exploring strategic opportunities to enhance long-term shareholder returns.

Entain (LSE:ENT), the owner of Ladbrokes and Coral, is reportedly evaluating strategic alternatives for its Central and Eastern Europe joint venture, including the possibility of a sale, according to people familiar with the matter. One option under consideration would involve the company selling its stake to its existing partner, Czech investment group EMMA Capital, although discussions are understood to be at an early stage and no agreement has been reached.

The review comes as Entain seeks to manage the impact of significant increases in UK online gambling taxes. The company has been exploring ways to improve efficiency, strengthen its balance sheet and offset higher operating costs arising from changes to the UK regulatory environment. Sources indicated that any proceeds from a potential transaction could be used to reduce debt.

Entain CEE was established in 2022 following the acquisition of Croatian sportsbook operator SuperSport and subsequently expanded in 2023 through the purchase of Polish betting company STS for approximately £750 million. The venture remains majority owned by Entain and includes contractual options that could ultimately allow either partner to alter the ownership structure after the third anniversary of the original transaction.

The business has delivered solid financial performance, generating earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation of £183.7 million in 2025, compared with £170 million in the previous year. At group level, Entain reported better-than-expected annual profit of £1.16 billion, while adjusted net debt stood at £3.64 billion at the end of 2025.

Management has warned that recent UK gambling tax increases are expected to add around £200 million in annual costs. The company aims to offset approximately 25% of that impact during the current year and more than 50% by 2027 through cost-saving initiatives and operational efficiencies. Following the government’s tax announcement, Entain also recorded a non-cash impairment charge of £488 million against its UK operations, contributing to a loss after tax of £680.5 million for the year ended December.

The company’s outlook remains supported by the strength of its international operations and established market positions, although elevated debt levels, regulatory pressures and rising taxation continue to present challenges. Any transaction involving the Central and Eastern Europe business could form part of a broader effort to optimise the group’s portfolio and improve financial flexibility.

More About Entain plc

Entain plc is a global sports betting and gaming operator with a portfolio of well-known brands including Ladbrokes, Coral, bwin, Sportingbet and part ownership of BetMGM in the United States. The company operates across regulated markets worldwide, offering sports wagering, online gaming and retail betting services.

Through a combination of organic growth, acquisitions and strategic partnerships, Entain has built a diversified international presence. Its strategy focuses on expanding in regulated markets, investing in technology and enhancing shareholder value through disciplined capital allocation and operational efficiency.

Atome PLC (LSE:ATOM) has confirmed that negotiations relating to its Villeta project in Paraguay remain ongoing, following recent volatility in the company’s share price. The group said it continues to engage with both the Government of Paraguay and ANDE, the country’s state-owned electricity provider, as discussions progress.

Management stated that talks with key stakeholders are continuing and that the market will be updated once a definitive outcome has been reached. The announcement indicates that no final agreements have yet been concluded on matters central to the development of the Villeta project.

Investors remain focused on the progress of these negotiations, as the outcome is expected to play an important role in shaping the project’s future development. Any agreement with Paraguayan authorities and ANDE could have a significant impact on Atome’s growth plans, funding strategy and long-term commercial prospects in the region.

The company’s outlook continues to be constrained by its pre-revenue status, ongoing losses and negative free cash flow, all of which contribute to continuing funding requirements. These challenges are partially offset by relatively strong technical indicators, with the share price remaining above key moving averages and momentum measures showing positive trends. Valuation support remains limited due to negative earnings and the absence of a stated dividend yield.

More About Atome PLC

Atome PLC is a London-listed energy company focused on developing large-scale green energy projects in Latin America. Its flagship development is the Villeta project in Paraguay, which is being advanced in collaboration with local stakeholders and government-linked organisations.

The company’s business model is centred on securing long-term access to renewable electricity supplies, making its relationship with Paraguay’s state-owned electricity provider, ANDE, a key component of its strategy. Through projects such as Villeta, Atome aims to establish a platform for the production of green energy products while supporting the transition toward lower-carbon industrial and energy systems.